A WEEK has passed since the violent altercation between Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) players Jonas Tibayan and Michole Sorela, and Tibayan is now pursuing legal action against Sorela.
The incident, which occurred on August 11, stunned MPBL fans and the broader Filipino basketball community, as Sorela threw a sudden sucker punch that left Tibayan with a fractured jaw and multiple lacerations.
In response, the MPBL issued an official statement on August 12 strongly condemning the assault. The league handed down a ban suspension to Sorela and imposed a P200,000 fine.
Criminal Complaint
Taking things further, Mayor Jennifer Cruz accompanied Tibayan to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday, August 18, where they filed an official criminal complaint against Sorela.
“Inihain ngayong araw sa National Bureau of Investigation ang pormal na reklamo ni Jonas Raphael Tibayan ng Mindoro Tamaraws laban kay Michole Solera ng General Santos Warriors kaugnay ng panununtok sa kainitan ng laban sa pagitan ng dalawang koponan,” Cruz said.
“Ang reklamong kriminal ay isinampa upang bigyang katarungan ang walang probokasyong pananakit sa manlalaro ng Mindoro Tamaraws,” she went on to explain on her statement.
Meanwhile, Cruz emphasized that this action isn’t just about holding Sorela accountable, but also about sending a clear message that any form of violence has no place on the basketball court.
“Layunin ding magbigay halimbawa at babala sa mga ganitong gawain o pag-uugali sa larangan ng basketbol,” the Mindoro Tamaraws manager went on to say.
Tibayan Is Not a Dirty Player
Just days ago, Mayor Cruz addressed circulating rumors online by stating on social media that Tibayan has never been a dirty player. This came in response to claims suggesting their player provoked the altercation that led to Sorela’s actions.
“May mga kumakalat na statement na naka ilang beses daw na nauna nanakit si Jonas Tibayan kaya ito gumanti,” Cruz started her statement.
“Sa lahat ng nakapanood, at kahit panuorin ang replay ng aming laro, walang makikita na nauna si Jonas dahil iba din ang kabantayan nito bago nangyari ang insidente.”
“Sa track record din ni Jonas Tibayan wala din itong kahit anong record na ito ay naging violent on and off the court,” she added.
Cruz also made it clear that the complaint was filed with no other motive but to seek justice. She emphasized that the move aims to reinforce the message that violence has no place in the sport of basketball.
“I’m not against Michole Sorela dahil hindi ko siya kilala ng personal. Ang tanging pinaglalaban namin dito ay ang hustisya para sa aking player,” she said.
“Walang ibang kahit anong agenda. Para maging isang aral sa lahat, lalo na sa mga gusto maging professional basketball player,” she added.
